Described is a transdermal ethosome composition for the treatment of pain. The transdermal ethosome composition comprises: an alcohol; a phospholipid; water; and a magnesium salt, a TRPV1 receptor agonist, or both a magnesium salt and a TRPV1 receptor agonist. The present compositions can be used to treat pain that is muscular, nociceptive or neuropathic in origin.